Basis of Preparation

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2012

Basis of Preparation [Abstract]

Basis of Preparation

Note 1.  Basis of Preparation

We operate a diversified fleet of U.S. and Foreign flag vessels that provide international and domestic maritime transportation services. For additional information on our business see Item 2 of Part I of this report.

We have prepared the accompanying unaudited interim financial statements pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission, and as permitted thereunder we have omitted certain information and footnote disclosures required by U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) for complete financial statements.  We suggest that you read these interim statements in conjunction with the financial statements and notes thereto included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011.  The condensed consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2011 included in this report has been derived from the audited financial statements at that date.

The foregoing 2012 interim results are not necessarily indicative of the results of operations for the full year 2012.  Management believes that it has made all adjustments necessary, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments, for a fair statement of the information presented.

Our policy is to consolidate each subsidiary in which we hold a greater than 50% voting interest or otherwise control its operating and financial activities.  We use the equity method to account for investments in entities in which we hold a 20% to 50% voting or economic interest and have the ability to exercise significant influence over their operating and financial activities, and the cost method to account for investments in entities in which we hold a less than 20% voting interest and in which we cannot exercise significant influence over operating and financial activities.

Revenues and expenses relating to our Rail-FerryService and Contracts of Affreightment segments' voyages are recorded over the duration of the voyage.  Our voyage expenses are estimated at the beginning of the voyages based on historical actual costs or from industry sources familiar with those types of charges.  As the voyage progresses, these estimated costs are revised with actual charges and timely adjustments are made.  Based on our prior experience, we believe there is no material difference between recording estimated expenses ratably over the voyage versus recording expenses as incurred.  Revenues and expenses relating to our other segments' voyages, which require limited estimates or assumptions, are recorded when earned or incurred during the reporting period.

The attached financial statements include out of period adjustments which the Company concluded were immaterial to the prior periods affected and projected full year 2012.  These out of period adjustments were corrected during the three month period ended June 30, 2012. See Note 17 for further details.

We have eliminated all significant intercompany balances, accounts and transactions in consolidation.